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How to Pick the Right White Paint
White is White, Right? Not Quite. See 8 White Paint Picks for 8 Very Different Effects
I'm a Designer & Color Consultant specializing in interior and exterior color selection. I also create Design Plans for DIYers. I'd love to help you through my eDesign Service {and it doesn't matter where you live!}. Visit my blog at http://www.porterhousedesigns.com/colorsizzle.
I'm a Designer & Color Consultant specializing in interior and exterior... More »
I have to admit that I don't have a single white room in my home. However, I've had first-hand experience with the challenges of selecting white paint: When my husband and I put our previous home up for sale, we decided to repaint the entire house white, and we allowed the contractor to choose the paint. After all, white is white...right? Wrong! After the painting was completed, I walked into the house and almost grabbed my sunglasses. I was shocked at how bright the walls looked. That's when I truly understood that white can be as vivid (or soft) as any other color. White also has a variety of undertones and tints, making the selection process somewhat tricky. As a color consultant, I thrive in colorfully painted spaces, but I realize that many people enjoy the simplicity of white rooms. So, here are some tips for picking the right white paint.
More: How to Pick the Right Gray
More: How to Pick the Right Gray
| 1. Creamy white. A white bedroom can be a very relaxing haven. For best results, use a few different tones of white and layer them in the space. In this bedroom, creamy white walls are combined with crisp white curtains and ivory colored bedding. This type of variation will prevent your space from looking too stark.
Paint pick: Dover White 6385 by Sherwin-Williams |
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by CLAUDIA LUJAN
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| 2. Cool white. In this space, the cool white walls perfectly match the white furniture and window treatments. This creates a serene, homogenous space that has very little contrast and/or distraction. Cool, pure whites work well in contemporary spaces because they provide a feeling of newness.
Paint pick: Extra White 7006 by Sherwin-Williams |
3. Soft white. Pairing white with black creates a very elegant, Art Deco feel. Even with so much contrast, this look is still a blank canvas for adding any other color. To lessen the drama, choose a slightly-softer white. In this space, you see how the wall color is a bit more toned down as compared to the crisp white trim and doors.
Paint pick: Pure White 7005 by Sherwin-Williams
Paint pick: Pure White 7005 by Sherwin-Williams
| 4. Snow white. A very classic way to treat wainscoting is to paint it with a glossy, snow white paint color. This look also works great in a more contemporary space, as shown here. The same tone of white is seen on both the furniture and wainscoting, which creates a harmonious look.
Paint pick: Super White by Benjamin Moore |
5. Antique white. For a more traditional space, antique whites work best because they provide a lived-in feel to a room. In dining areas, this shade of vanilla is a great choice because it's considered a 'delicious' color.
Paint pick: Antique White 6119 by Sherwin-Williams
Paint pick: Antique White 6119 by Sherwin-Williams
by Stonewood, LLC
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6. Ivory white. Many people like the look of white cabinetry in the kitchen, but they don't want the space to appear too cold. In this case, look for a white that has a slight ivory undertone. You can also add warmth to your kitchen with wood flooring, and by using clear halogen lighting.
Paint pick: Atrium White by Benjamin Moore
Paint pick: Atrium White by Benjamin Moore
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| 7. Gray white. A crisp, grayish-white wall color will always make a sophisticated, museum-like backdrop for artwork and vivid accent hues.
Paint pick: Dune White 968 by Benjamin Moore |
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8. Warm white. The use of whites with khaki undertones, along with natural materials create an organic feel in this dining room. These types of colors are very warm and welcoming.
Paint pick: Natural Choice 7011 by Sherwin-Williams
More:
Find Your Style: Choose Your Favorite White Room
Hot Ideas for Cool White Spaces
How to Pick the Right Blue
How to Pick the Right Gray
Paint pick: Natural Choice 7011 by Sherwin-Williams
More:
Find Your Style: Choose Your Favorite White Room
Hot Ideas for Cool White Spaces
How to Pick the Right Blue
How to Pick the Right Gray
Ideabook updated on Oct. 15, 2011.
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Yep, Extra White!! Yay! Thank you!!
I just held atrium white up to a sheet of white paper and it looks to have a slight pink cast? I am currently leaning toward BM Mountain peak for my cabinets and natural wicker for the walls. I don't know, I keep changing my mind every time I look at something else! ugh!
Kelly
I have a question, is there a standard white that trim should be painted.? I have always used BM 967 Cloud White but now I find that with all the Taupe's and browns it's not so warm. I also would like to know if there is a white for ceilings. I am priming the ceiling at the cottage this weekend and would like to also paint the ceiling afterwards. The floors are ivory limestone so it's in the taupe/grey/cream colours, the kitchen will be also in warm colours. I am also doing bedroom ceilings and the rooms have alot of light coming in from southern exposure.
For me, white is an instant shot of wow without the fear of "color remorse'!
patrick landrum
Would appreciate your help.
thanks
http://www.colorcharts.org/cc/resources/colors.aspx?companyid=124479&cbn=YGVW-BR85-AQBW
http://www.streamlinepaintingdenver.com/house-painting-denver.php
I just had our kitchen and living room painted BM Ballet White, and I also love it. It is a very neutral off-white with a tad bit of gray. It looks great with our glazed kitchen cabinets, and gives just enough contrast against our bright white moulding. Everything looks so crisp and clean!
Nothing nicer than a beautiful white!
Have been searching high and low for white paint suggestions and wish this article was even more detailed... So appreciative of insight and articles like this. Thanks so much Kelly. More please!!! :)